ORLAND PARK MAN ARRESTED AFTER ATTACKING 78 YEAR OLD FATHER

Thursday, November 15, 2012
— Orland Park, IL… An Orland Park man who beat and tried to strangle his father has been denied bond, Cook County Sheriff Thomas J. Dart announced today.

Mark Williamson, 46, of the 9200 block of W. 143rd Street, has been charged with attempted first degree murder and aggravated battery, both felonies. He appeared in bond court this morning.

On November 13th, Cook County Sheriff's Police were called to Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, where the victim, George Williamson, father of Mark, was seeking treatment. Police were informed that the 78-year-old victim was sitting at his desk in his home in the late afternoon on Sunday, the 11th. At that time, his son Mark approached him from the front and began to strangle him. A struggle ensued and they both fell to the floor. While on the ground, Mark held his father on the ground forcefully from behind and began to strike his father's face against the ceramic floor. The force of the blows to his head caused significant injuries to George's face, neck and head.

Once Mark ended the attack on his father, he stood up and left the residence, leaving George behind with his injuries to fend for himself. George was able call for help and he was transported to the hospital. It was not until two days later that George called Police, from his hospital bed to report the attack. Responding Cook County Sheriff's Police were granted access to the Williamson residence by George and Mark was found in the basement 'huffing' a can of compressed air.

Mark was taken into custody without incident. Williamson's next court date is November 29th in the Bridgeview courthouse.